Every Headshot is a Portrait – But not Every Portrait is a Headshot?!?!

I lately find myself discussing this topic with some of my fellow photographers... In my book headshots fall under portraits...others believe they are a category of their own. So I went to my good old friend, Uncle Google, to see what I can find out.

Here is the definition of Portrait Photography: Portrait photography or portraiture is photography of a person or group of people that captures the personality of a subject by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses. A portrait picture might be artistic, or it might be clinical, as part of a medical study. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_photography )

And now let’s see what the definition of Headshot Photography is:

A head shot or headshot is a specific type of portrait (usually a photograph) that realistically demonstrates a person's appearance for branding or casting. Many headshots are promotional pictures of actors, models, and authors. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_shot )

Let’s dive in a little deeper

There are many subcategories of Portrait Photography:

-Candid (subject unaware) -Candid (subject aware)

-Posed

-Formal

-Couple

-Small Group

-Large Group

-Environmental

-Sporting

-Children

-Pets

Now let’s look at the subcategories of Headshot Photography:

-Models and Actor Headshots

-Commercial Headshots

-Theatrical Headshots

-Business and Corporate Headshots

You can look up the specifics for all of these on the Internet and find an overwhelming amount of information. But basically a headshot is a posed portrait that depicts reality...no artistic light, no props and minimal post processing. Now, what do you think, are headshots a type of portraits? I am looking forward to hear your opinion...

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